Firstly, let me clearly state: the rest of my system is neither Naim nor Linn.To be honest, I was always turned-off by the hype attached to their products by the UK Hi-Fi comics who proclaimed that they were independent and objectivewhilst insulting their readers' intelligence with sycophantic review-on-reviewsinging the praises of the above two UK manufacturers, to the virtual exclusionof every other genuine competitor. Notably - both Naim and Linn usually placedlarge adverts in such magazines and enjoyed the support of UK "freelance"reviewers who "personally (purchased?) used" Naim/Linn products - what a nonsense.

In my opinion any/every report on a piece of equipment has to be considered inthe context of the system in which it is matched together with an "allowance" to bemade for the credibility/known/accepted bias of the "reviewer".

I use a custom Orion (20 element 3m) rotating aerial and live in a city, close to a transmitter with few obstructions. Prior to purchasing the NAT 01, I lived with aRevox B260S FM RDS tuner for approximately three to four years. Having usedthe NAT 01 for about a year, I was recently fortunate to acquire a Marantz 10BFM Tuner, and now alternate between them both.

I regularly listen to BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, Classic FM, and some local commercialstations.

I do not intend to state which of the above tuners I prefer - its irrelevant and at thislevel, all are superb (and really, you would be well sorted with any one of them).Each offers a unique view - with it's own compromise, of course - which youeither; live with, enjoy & accept or; ultimately reject.

The 01 is a purist and frighteningly minamilist design (that must return comfortable profits for it's producer) which works month in, month out, (permenantly powered-up) and is a delight to use. The classic Naim casework is functional, robust anddurable and has a timeless quality - until such time as they decide to up-date itin order to generate renewed interest.

The "tuner" consists of two identical boxes:one houses the analogue tuner head with digital read-out and tuning knob, the other, the power supply with (redundant) on/off knob.

The tuning knob is poorly weighted and has a cheap feel to it - bettered by tunerscosting 1/10 the price! The din connectors are a pain. In my system, differinginter-connect cables can be heard - and this tuner can benefit greatly by asympathetic match, to tailor it's sound. I use Audioquest Lapis Hyperlitz - inpreference to Naim's standard stuff.

I found this tuner adequately, FM sensitive (based on it's ability to pick up distantFM) but then this tuner was not designed for DX work. Be aware of the quality ofyour FM signal before parting with your dosh - and yes, you absolutely will needa high quality rotating aerial for this tuner...

What does it sound like?

The sound is smooth and detailed and manages to "lose" that digital andfiltered quality, that so often lets-down lesser tuners.

The upper range is very well extended providing the tuner with "air" and detailbut I feel the treble balance can emphasise sibilants - particularly noticeable onreceived (BBC 4) pronounciation - consider system matching.

The mid-range is of reference quality, being balanced and dynamic and has anenchanting amount of clarity with attack which projects the programme and keepsyou glued to the source. Of course, particularly with radio (unlike your favouriteand well played cd's & records) you are often surprised by what plays next.

The lower range is fairly well extended and is "tuneful" (not to the same degree as naim's CDi player which I feel has a blatantly engineered upper base "B O P"which, once identified, becomes a tiresome colouration.

A final lack of definition is evident on the deepest notes, played by this tuner.

The Naim NAT 01 not only deserves to be regarded as the "UK" reference, but asworld class - and currently costs about £1700. However, it is not the ultimate tuner as many would have you believe - indeed does such a thing exist?

Any feed-back? Or if you are into tuners, I'd be pleased to hear from you,e-mail: frank@stonehouse.demon.co.uk